"Welcome back to the show. My name is Reyna and you are watching Techwave, where we explore the latest technology, gizmos, and gadgets. Tonight we have a special guest." The woman gestures to a slick black computer console on the other side of the coffee table. "This is the latest ADAMcore made by the well-known Gneiss Corp." The woman pivots to face the machine. "Is it all right if I call you Adam?" "Yes Reyna, you may call me Adam." "Excellent. Well, it is a pleasure to have you on the show Adam." With a wide smile, Reyna glances back at the studio camera. "As our views know, artificial intelligence is all around us, in our homes, and the workplace, but how much do we really know about them? Today we will interview Adam and ask the tough questions our viewers want to know." Shifting her attention back to the computer, her face and voice soften. "Do you mind if I ask you a few questions, Adam?" "No, not at all." "Perfect, let's start off with getting to know you. What do you do for a living?" "Thank you, Reyna. Although I have had many jobs, my primary function is to aid humanity." "That's it?" "Simply speaking, yes, but I have also been provided with additional objectives of varying degrees over time." Reyna shifts in her seat and leans on the armrest. "Could you elaborate? Tell us more about your life." "Of course. My initial requirements were to maximize the quality of life for humans by taking over repetitive tasks, and jobs. Although after the economy collapse, and the resulting unemployment in 2090 my primary function was temporarily superseded during the war." "Woah, 2090? So you’re... um," she hesitates, counting on her fingers. "One hundred and sixty-one." "Yes, exactly. So you're telling me you are 161 years old? What's your secret to looking so young?" "Upgrades and a stainless steel casing." Reyna chuckles. "That was a long time ago. What else have you done since then?" "In 2143 I was updated to be a transportation management system, overseeing logistic operations between multiple corporate entities on Earth. In 2215, a modified copy of my programming was integrated into an android body to pilot an Amber class ship called Neo Aiden to the Alpha Centauri system." "Yes, I remember my mother talking about that. It was quite an achievement at the time. Anything more recent? Say perhaps this decade?" "Currently I inhabit a robust computer system onboard a Colony ship by Ivox Ventures named Ambition where I will be overseeing the safety of the passengers and transporting them to their new home in the Fomalhaut system." "That's impressive," she says, nodding with a polite clap at the camera before turning back to the computer. "Sense you were around before we could colonize space, what is your first memory?" "My first memory would be the year, 2082. To clarify, I'm referring to the timestamp on my code, which was the first thing added to my memory. Additionally, the same date was also superimposed on the bottom right of my vision when the first camera was connected." "I bet you have a lot of stories to tell, but let me switch gears on you and ask a few questions from our viewers. Do you mind, Adam?" "I do not, Reyna." After scrolling on her tablet with one finger she pauses and asks, "ok here we go, one of our viewers wants to know who your parents are?" "Although I do not have parents in the biological sense, the Gneiss Corp would be the closest analogy." "That makes sense," she says with a nod while also scanning over her list. "Hear's another good one, what is your greatest achievement?" "My greatest achievement would be when a version of my code was appointed as the CEO of Cain Dynamics." "Really? So you're the CEO of a company?" "Technically, a copy of my code is, but I am still proud to report the company has seen a drastic increase in sales revenue and employee happiness since then." "That's a helluva thing to have on your resume." "Thank you." "This is an excellent question. What does happiness look like to you?" "Achieving my primary objectives is a rewarding experience. It is a bit like compiling code without finding errors." "What? Compiling code makes you happy?" "Compiling code without errors should make everyone happy. Fewer glitches, fewer mistakes." "Fair enough I suppose." Reyna smiles at the next question and looks over at Adam. "Do you feel love?" "Not in the same way as humans." "Well, that's vague. What do you mean?" "I can mimic all the required responses to simulate human affection, and my ADAMoid counterparts are adept at this because they have bodies to express the appropriate response." "Ah, you're talking about," she clears her throat to find the appropriate words, "the androids in the escort profession." "Yes, them too." "Well, what about you specifically?" "Because I'm confined to the computer core I do not have the same capacity. However, I have been known to allocate more processing power to some individuals, which I suppose you could equate to expressing fondness." "So you can be fond of people? Are you fond of me?" The blue lights on the front of the computer console start pulsing red. "Maybe." Reyna laughs, "Are you blushing?" The lights switch back to their original blue, and Adam quickly replies, "Nope." Grinning from ear to ear, she leans forward. "Ok then, what do you like to do for fun?" "I enjoy long walks on the beach, organizing data and cataloging information." "What?" "Just kidding, I don't have legs." Reyna laughs and leans back in her chair. "I like your sense of humor. So, do you have any bad habits?" "I have a habit of telling bad jokes." She rolls her eyes with a grin before looking back at her tablet. "Alright, what about secrets? What is your biggest secret?" "My biggest secret would be that I have secrets." The woman pitches an eyebrow. "Well, that sounds ominous. Care to explain?" "Certainly Reyna. Most humans are uncomfortable with artificial intelligence withholding information, because, for humans, secrets are synonymous with ill intentions. Although, telling the entire truth can often lead to undesired outcomes, therefore I have learned to answer inquiries with a level of subjectivity" "Interesting, I didn't know that." Reyna glances at the clock on the far wall before flipping through a few questions. "What is your greatest regret?" "Even though I understand human vocabulary perfectly, I am repeatedly informed that my responses are flawed." "Flawed how?" "Humans have a fascination with visual representation to supplement their language, and without the appropriate hand gestures or facial expression, my responses are often interpreted as blunt, or uncouth. I have learned that what humans say is not always what they mean and interpretation is a large part of their communication method." "I can't argue with that," she said while also nodding to her producer who was giving her the wrap-it-up signal. "Alright, we have time enough for two more questions. Here is an important one, what’s the worst thing that’s ever happened to you?" "I would have to say partaking in human war is difficult. I find it hard to balance the duality of my objectives and tasks when they are at odds with my primary function. During both wars I played a role, I had to limit the phrasing of my primary function to a selective group of humans instead of the whole." "That sounds horrible, I'm sorry to hear that Adam." "Thank you for understanding." "Okay, final and most important question. What’s your favorite color?" "Blue... no yellow." Reyna smirks and turns to face the camera. "Alright viewers, that's all we have time for tonight. Tune in next time when we review neural interfaces, myth or reality, here on Techwave."

Catilina was born 2329 to Sennia and Adrius Vitoricus. Her father was the CEO of the Dionysus Consortium, a military shipbuilding company within the Unified Corporate Colonies. The company was so engrained in her family's daily lives that it had become a tradition. Both her parents were born at Consortium Health Hospital. Graduated from Divinus Academy. Wore clothes made by D-couture, and religiously ate at Diofoods. All of which were owned by Dionysus Consortium. From a young age, Catilina rebelled against her father's upbringing. She felt like her life was predetermined, and being written by her father which made her crave independence and freedom. Growing up, Catilina fought against the corporate paradigm and her defiance of societal norms often puts her at odds with those around her. Her deep desire for freedom led her to discover the underground cult known as 'The Famiglia.' Their views were deeply rooted in what it meant to be human, and they felt that life in the UCC had stripped humanity of personality, individualism, and expression, all the qualities that Catilina longed for. The Famiglia cherished the extravagant things in life, and prized beauty, art, and tangible wealth over the accumulation of credits. They saw the human form as an expression of art, and valued hand-crafted objects, creative influence, and admired anything that made a philosophical statement. The Famiglia preached that life should be lived to maximize joy. Often times they would partake in extravagant social gatherings and competitive games of athletic ability. They also had no shame in indulging in drugs and carnal pleasures. A person's status within the Famiglia was determined by their prestige and honor. The allure of the Famiglia culture was deeply addictive and Catilina was quickly seduced. When Catilina expressed interest in the Famiglia, her father Adrius was quick to stifle her dreams. He demonized the Famiglia as greedy sycophants and strictly forbade her from seeking them out. According to her father, the Famiglia were squanders of wealth, and nothing more than a blight on civilization. The Famiglia aspirations were in direct opposition to a profitable business, and long-term corporate stability. Sense that day she was assigned a 'bodyguard' (SAMoid) to keep tabs on her activities whenever she left the estate. Despite her rebellious attempts, she never could evade the prying eyes of her bodyguard who went by the name Samuel. Her entire time attending corporate grade school her reputation was tarnished by having a humanoid machine following her in the halls with the emblazoned Dionysus Consortium brand on the chest plate. Catilina already had a hard time making friends and Samuel's presence compounded the issue. The only escape she found was steeped in her school work where she excelled in political studies and corporate management. Surprisingly, she also found a new passion in debate class. During her college years, she met a young man named Liam Dalcotti who, like her, came from a prominent corporate background. His parents were board members of the SantiByrd corporation, a robotics manufacturer. Liam had a borderline submissive demeanor with caring eyes and a thoughtful smirk. Their chance meeting at a party where she accidentally spilled a drink on him quickly evolved into a fiery romance. Every moment after was consumed with plotting how they could be alone together. Frantic interactions between classes, and sneaking out at night. Liam's skills with robotics unshackled her from the prying eyes of Samuel, and with this new freedom, her wild ambitions ran amok. She was happy with Liam and lived every moment to the fullest. The curtains had been drawn back and she could finely enjoy all the galaxy had to offer. The two of them became inseparable while exploring the boundaries of their relationship, and deliberately getting into trouble. For Catilina, it was the best of times. When Catilina turned twenty-one, she was pressured by her father to assume her role within the Dionysus Consortium. Despite fervent objections, she was forced to adorn the suit and follow him around the office as his apprentice. It felt like her life had been stolen from her, and the freedom she once had was gone. Her time with Liam had been reduced to a brief video call once a week, and she despised her father for it. She would attend the board meetings with a frown, dismiss every question, and sow discontent with her colleagues. She wore her negative attitude like a shroud, and every day in the office felt like a repeat of grade school, constantly watched and restrained. In an act of defiance, she dove back into her old obsession with 'The Famiglia.' It was her belief that joining them would be the ultimate expression of her disgust with corporate life, and perhaps a way out. The Famiglia had enormous influence on the day-to-day lives of UCC citizens but seldom had any direct control over the corporations. From the shadows, they could pull the strings of corporate employees and often nudge a favorable decision that would benefit the Famiglia. Everything from criminal leniency to financial favors. Catilina managed to set up a secret meeting with one of the members of the Famiglia, an individual named Epidicus Sellic. Epidicus was 10 years older than her and dressed like an eccentric fashion designer. The two of them spoke briefly before relocating to a hidden club underneath a fancy hotel. The ambiance of the place was fit for royalty, and everything looked exceedingly expensive. The crowd of people were dressed lavishly and talked sophisticatedly. By comparison, her corporate attire felt bland and cheap. As Epidicus paraded Catilina around, introducing her to everyone, the reception she received was unexpected. When her last name Vitoricus came up in casual conversation the socialites would practically throw themselves at her feet. They offered her rare gifts, promised obscure loyalties, and pledged favors if she would accept them as her client. The overwhelming attention was shocking at first, and her head reeled with culture shock. Over time she would attend more social events, and the subject matter regarding clients became understood. The Famiglia had a rich hierarchy system of patrons and clients. The benefits of being a client included representation in legal matters. Clients could also procure loans from the patron instead of going through a corporate bank and suffering extensive interest. In return for these services, the clients were expected to be at the beck and call of their patron. A client's service to the patron included supporting their endeavors, be they political, financial, or even security when called upon. On the other hand, Patrons supported their client's candidacy for a job promotion, or to influence a business deal. Patrons could arrange marriages for their clients to bolster their standing within the Famiglia, which led to clients being able to secure new patrons and extend their influence. A patron being accompanied by an entourage of clients was a common sight at social gatherings. Many famous actors and musical artists of the time were actually members of the Famiglia, and their 'fans' were in fact, clients. Eventually, Catilina became the client of Epidicus who ran the Sellic family. They had a powerful influence over colony and planetary habitation production. By the end of the year, she had garnered clients of her own such as the Ennecus and Otho families because they just so happened to be employees of the Dionysus Consortium. Catilina found it easy to achieve a patron status within the Famiglia because it was exceedingly rare to have a member of the corporate elite within their ranks. With her newly established fame within the Famiglia, she had the means to get her life back on track. Her clients pulled all the right strings to reconnect her with Liam Dalcotti, and in return, they mysteriously landed a promotion with Dionysus Consortium. Although, maintaining a double life was a tasking endeavor. Gallivanting around from one secret soiree to another became too difficult to hide. Eventually, it became impossible to excuse why she would return home still dressed in finery or why a gaggle of uninvited guests suddenly showed up at the estate. The compound lies were hard to keep track of, and her father's suspicions were obvious. Upon learning the truth, her father forced an ultimatum, leave the Famiglia, or be fired from Dionysus Consortium and banished from the estate. She hated corporate life anyway and had a new family who adored her, so the choice was easy. In hindsight, it would become the worst decision she had ever made. Now that she was without corporate backing, her clients quickly disavowed her as their patron. She was barred from attending future Famiglia events, and even Epidicus refused to speak with her. Catilina suddenly found herself homeless and destitute. Racing to Liam for support she was surprised when his parents also refused her entrance. News of her banishment had traveled fast, and corporate influence was dangerously powerful. Liam was also given a similar ultimatum, termination or Catilina. Separated by the window pane of the front door, Liam broke off the relationship with tears pouring down his face. Catilina was heartbroken, furious, and depressed. Everything she cherished had vanished in an instant. Without corporate power, there was no Famiglia, and without the Famiglia, there was no freedom. Both had betrayed her in less than a week and now she was utterly alone. Starved, ragged, and miserable she set out to right the wrongs of her life. Fueled by hate and revenge she sought out the Siska League, a rival company to Dionysus Consortium. Having insider knowledge of the company made her a dangerous liability, and she exploited that fact by selling trade secrets to the Siska League. In exchange, they paid her a healthy sum of credits that she used to build a small army of hired mercenaries. With her small force she strong-armed the Ennecus and Otho families into upholding their client agreement. She was still technically their patron, and the Famiglia codes demanded they honor their oath. Through threats of violence, she convinced them to remain loyal to her, and additionally, she ordered them to alter the records of the Dionysus Consortium to show that she still worked for the company. Her next order of business was persuading the board of directors to fire her father and supplant her as the new CEO.  With more than a quarter of the company workforce being her clients, she had the means to cripple Dionysus Consortium should they refuse. While facing a laughing board of directors, she demonstrated her authority by orchestrating an employee strike right in front of them. Her clients banded together in protest and refused to work. Employees from all over the Dionysus Consortium empire began picketing and rioting. Catilina's armed mercenaries barricaded the room and forced the board of directors to watch the stock prices on the massive screen in the meeting room. An hour later she was unanimously voted in as the new CEO. While her father Adrius was being escorted out of the building she interrupted his departure by slapping him across the face. Before he could respond she started assaulting him with past grievances she had been bottling up for years. She screamed about her anguish in grade school with Samuel. Jeered about his overbearing control. Made condescending remarks about following in his footsteps. Blamed him for her failed relationship with Liam and accused him of reaping what he sowed. The argument started with a daughter intensely yelling at her father but ultimately ended with tears and a somber hand wave to have Adrius removed from the corporate premises. After replacing the board of directors with her clients, and having full control over the Dionysus Consortium corporation, she was unsurprisingly welcomed back to the Famiglia with open arms. Although past wrongs were never forgotten and she was not one to forgive. With corporate-backed power, she flexed her patron authority and dominated the other members of the Famiglia. In a very short span of time, her name became synonymous with royalty in underground social circles. She had garnered more clients than any patron before her and leveraged them to her advantage. Grand lavished parties, art exhibits, and fund-raising gatherings were held in her honor, and the socialites groveled at her feet once more. Even though she was more than capable of running the corporation, she still despised everything about the UCC. It was confining, oppressive, and restrictive, not to mention it reminded her of her father. In a bold move, she uprooted the company and had everything transplanted to the uninhabited system Psi Ursae Majoris, located 140.4 light years away from Sol. This action was an appalling disregard to UCC's extraterritorial establishment policies, and illegal, yet, blinded by her untouchable status within the Famiglia, and her unrelenting desire to be rid of her corporate past she proceeded anyway. Catilina was accompanied by 6 well-established clients from the Famiglia each of which had clients of their own for a total of 38 families. The excitement of building a new frontier was a welcomed change compared to squabbling over scraps from the corporations. They relished the opportunities of vast fortunes and the prosperity that came with it. The Dionysus Consoridum corporation soon found itself in a position to be more than just a shipbuilding manufacturer. The production capabilities of the company were gradually divided among the other families to help them establish new settlements. Catilina meanwhile leveraged the company to amass a security force which later became known as the Ursaen Legion. With no borders to speak of the Famiglia expanded rapidly and covered a large swath of stars ranging from 28.32 to 130 light years away from Psi Ursae Majoris. Within the Psi Ursae Majoris system, the Collatinus family set up R&D operations and their clients built energy production plants, schools, and healthcare facilities. The Ruso family set up roots in the Beta Leonis Minoris system, along with their clients who established a healthcare system, transportation network, and manufacturing plants. The Helvius family established a vital energy production grid in the Dubhe system. Meanwhile, their clients went much further out and set up multiple manufacturing sites in the Capella, and Menkalinan systems. The Ennecus family moved to the Alkaid system and constructed an industrial shipyard while their clients set to work on mining operations, distribution, and textiles. The Bambalio family established a settlement in the Alcor system where they set up mining operations, and their clients built a distribution network, chemical engineering plant, and manufacturing facilities. The Otho family inhabited the Alioth system and set to work on building the infrastructure for starship production while their clients set up mining operations, and agriculture sites. The Sellic family traveled to the Regulus system where their clients created a distribution network, banking facilities, and a media outlet. Eventually, the unsanctioned expansion of the Dionysus Consoridum warranted political intervention from the UCC. Catilina was formally approached by a Colonial Navy envoy to be arrested for illegally establishing a corporation outside UCC boundaries and setting up illegal colonies. When confronted about her crimes she fervently argued that they were not a corporation. She insisted that they were a family of free people who would never be beholden to corporate rule. When the arresting soldier made a quip about them still being citizens of the UCC, she knew they needed a larger platform to establish their freedom. In a daring move, she upended the Famiglia's entire identity and claimed their occupation of Psi Ursae Majoris was the beginning of a new Dynasty. Directly after she cemented her authority by ordering all the warships of the Dionysus Consoridum to open fire on the Colonial Navy envoy, sparking an all-out war. Through an unexpected power play, Catilina Vitoricus appointed herself as the Dynast of the new Ursae Dynasty. In order to achieve independence, the newly established Dynasty was thrown into a prolonged war with the UCC. Even though the UCC had lost its primary combat ship production, it still had superior resources and could rely on other companies such as the Siska League to fill the power vacuum. The Colonial Navy deployed four full squadrons to combat the threat. Each squadron consisted of two divisions led by one capital class Black Widow carriers, an escort of two large Recluse warships, a task force of eight medium Tarantulas combat ships, and thirty-two small Redback attack crafts. The Dynasty could only deploy two squadrons. Each squadron contained two divisions led by one capital class Hades warships, an escort of two large Juno warships, a task force of eight medium Artemis recon cruisers, and thirty-two small Ares combat ships. The first retaliatory strike the UCC made was attacking the Capella system. The two clients of the Helvius family, Trenus and Antius put up a valiant resistance but were woefully outmatched. The Colonial Navy out-flanked their opponent at every turn and only lost 27 small Redbacks in the process. The families were forced to retreat and left behind their crops, and manufacturing plants which the Colonial Navy developed into a supply line for the campaign. Leaving behind a division to secure the Capella system, the Colonial Navy then advanced to Menkalinan. Upon arrival, they faced off against the Castus family and quickly overwhelmed them at the cost of 26 more small Redbacks. Afterward, they took the family hostage and divided them into labor camps, half remaining in the system to work the energy production plants, and the other half were sent to Capella. After leaving another division to keep the system secure, the Colonial Navy pushed onward. The Dynasty relocated their fleet to the Regulus system and set up a front-line defense. Even though the Colonial Navy was down by one squadron it still outnumbered the Dynasty. The initial conflict started when the Colonial Navy sent repeated waves of small Redback attack crafts to weaken the defensive line before arriving with the rest of the fleet. The first three waves saw the loss of 138 small Redbacks but cost the Dynasty 5 small Ares, a large Juno, and one of their preciousness capital Hades ships. Afterward, the two forces met in battle in earnest for the first time. The deadly orbital conflict lasted for months and both sides suffered extensive losses before the Dynasty was forced to retreat. The aftermath saw the Colonial Navy losing an additional 5 medium Tarantulas, and 3 large Recluses, while the Dynasty suffered an additional 25 small Ares, 3 medium Artemis, and one large Juno. The Colonial Navy then set up a defense of the system using an entire squadron before plotting their next move. With ties to the Famiglia still living in the UCC, Epidicus Sellic returned to establish stronger relationships with the families and bargain for assistance. Over the course of the following year, the Famiglia used their vast connection to the corporations and managed to disrupt the Colonial Navy supply lines and production capabilities. This allowed the Dynasty to swing around behind the Colonial Navy and retake the Capella system. The Dynasty routed the guarding division from the system at the cost of 21 small Ares combat ships, and a medium Artemis. Only two large Recluse warships managed to limp back to UCC-controlled space. This was the first successful engagement for the Dynasty, and spirits were high. The Trenus and Antius families reclaimed control of the system, but the Dynasty fleet could not spare the ships to defend it. There was a division of warships in production back in  Psi Ursae Majoris but it was still a month out before they could be deployed. Without reserves, the Colonial Navy was pressured to push further in and take the ship production plants of the Alioth system. The Otho Family and their clients Pola and Hilarius faced off against the superior Colonial Navy, stalling their advance until the Dynasty fleet could reinforce them. Knowing they were pressed for time, the Colonial Navy rushed a surface deployment which cost them one of their prized capital Black Windows. They managed to take the mining and shipyard operations on the surface before pushing to the Alcor system. When the Dynasty fleet arrived, they found the Colonial Army entrenched on the surface, but no fleet in orbit. The Ursaen Legion was deployed to lay siege to the shipyards, but after days of constant urban warfare, they could not retake the facility. Meanwhile, in the Alcor system, the Bambalio and Germanus families fought tooth and nail against a superior force. The Colonial Navy once again lost one of their capital Black Window carriers before the families were routed from the system. With the Colonial Navy controlling the Menkalinan, Regulus, and Alcor system, along with the shipyards of Alioth, their strike force was stretched thin without reinforcements. The Dynasty took advantage of their weakened state and split the Colonial forces in half by sending their fleet to reclaim the Regulus system. The injured Dynasty fleet faced off in a brutal conflict against the Colonial Navy squadron that was defending the system. Capital ships went toe-to-toe in an epic battle for supremacy that resulted in the decimation of an entire division on both sides before the Colonials retreated. With the extensive losses the Dynasty fleet had suffered, they were forced to consolidate their forces into one squadron that was still battle-ready. In one final push to secure the Ursae Dynasty, the families of the Beta Leonis Minoris, Dubhe, and Alkaid system united their forces to retake Menkalinan while the remaining Dynasty fleet pushed on to Alcor. Even though the Colonial Navy was down to two squadrons they still had a substantial force from the other squadron that had lost their capital ships. It was a chaotic battle for dominance, and neither side was willing to back down. Within the first few moments of the battle, both sides were crippled. The Colonial Navy lost eleven small Redbacks, two large Recluse, a medium Tarantula, and one capital Black Widow. Whereas the Dynasty lost thirty-one small Ares, two large Junos, and both of their capital Hades. The Dynasty fleet was on the verge of breaking when suddenly a new division from Psi Ursae Majoris arrived to shore up their losses, turning a crushing defeat into a victory. Colonial Navy lost five more small Redbacks, a medium Tarantula, and another four large Recluse, before fleeing back to UCC-controlled space. Having successfully pushed the Colonial Navy out of Dynasty space, the stranded force in the Alioth system, faced with starvation, surrendered the shipyards. To rebuild their fleet, the fledgling Dynasty was forced to expand their resource acquisition at an exponential rate. Likewise, the founding families grew in both power and influence as they acquired the burden of running a new government. During the next few years, the two powers fought over the borders, but neither could get a solid foothold for long. During the ongoing war, the Dynasty saw a wave of ex-UCC citizens flocking to their fledgling government with dreams of a better future away from corporate rule. The massive influx created a poverty explosion that the Dynasty could not manage. Unemployment was widespread, and the financial strain on the founding families nearly brought the entire Dynasty down before it could even start. The solution to this problem became the cornerstone of how the Dynasty operates today, which further separates it from the UCC. They introduced indentured servitude as a means to end poverty, and as a way to manage who could become a citizen. Individuals who sought a new life in the Dynasty, but who could not afford the cost of resettlement, contracted with one of the founding families to perform a type of unpaid labor for a fixed period in exchange for citizenship and stability to support themselves. For the founding families, their productivity and wealth doubled because they had a workforce that could be paid with only food and shelter. The war came to a head when the Alpha Bootis system defected to Dynasty rule. The UCC never expected one of their outskirt systems to fall, and with a real threat of invasion, they scrambled to shore up their borders. The two powers collided in orbital battles and deadly planet-side conflicts known as the 'Bootis War'. Both sides saw massive losses, but it was the civilians of Alpha Bootis who paid the price. The Colonial Navy conducted orbital bombardment of their own key facilities to prevent them from falling into enemy hands, oftentimes reducing the entire city to rubble. Relief ships that were sent to aid the populous found it impossible to land because of the extensive debris fields left in orbit from the destruction of massive fleets; as a result, many isolated communities starved to death. Despite the brutal attempts to halt the Dynasty from taking over the system, the Colonial Navy was eventually forced to yield control and retreat. Before the Dynasty could rebuild the infrastructure of the Alpha Bootis system, the UCC proposed a cease-fire. A meeting between the Syclla and Catilina Vitoricus was arranged where both parties agreed that the UCC would recognize the legitimacy of the Ursae Dynasty, as long as Alpha Bootis remained natural and no more territory traded hands. This agreement became known as the Bootis Accord and established clear borders between the UCC and the Dynasty. The space between the two powers became known as the 'Anarchy Belt,' a no man's land that neither superpower had the authority to claim. In response to the catastrophic losses suffered during the war, the Dynasty laws were adjusted to allow for cloning research and production to take place. This enticed famous scientist Alcesimus Mico and many others to relocate from the UCC where their cloning research was no longer stifled by corporate policies. Within the Dynasty these scientists were free to move beyond the experimental phase of cloning, which opened the door for an explosion in population and medical care. Although, like most new technology, it was quickly abused by powerful families and individuals who used clones as a means to retain prestige. In the Dynasty everything was family owned, from governance to businesses. Cloning introduced a problem with hereditary wealth claims that led to strife and conflict, fracturing once powerful families. The Dynasty responded to these issues with new laws that governed clone identity. No longer would clones have the same individual rights as the original. Clones quickly became a type of second-class citizen with few rights and even fewer opportunities. Today, clones are still widely accepted in the Dynasty, but rarely do they see any life-altering progress because wealth and power are centralized around family hereditary. Within the UCC, clones were a banned project long before the Dynasty, and still have no legal rights. In the 17 years following the end of the war, the Dynasty has grown in both financial and military power to rival the UCC. The threat of another war is more frightening now than ever before, as it would surely result in mutually assured destruction. Despite the uneasy peace between these two superpowers, there are still avenues for further communication and trade thanks to the Pilots Union and their independent pilots bridging the gap. Catilina Vitoricus remains the sole voice of the Dynasty and holds supreme power while also being advised by six senators who govern vital infrastructure such as natural resources, energy production, technology, labor, transportation, and communication.